Surge arrestor

Abstract

The invention is directed to a surge arrestor having a middle electrode and at least one outer electrode, in which an electrically conductive spring clip is secured to the middle electrode and exerts a spring power on the outer electrode; in which an electrical component part that is non-conductive at the trigger voltage of the surge arrestor and generates heat given a flow of current is arranged between the spring clip and the outer electrode; in which the spring clip lies against an electrically conductive contact element that is secured to a spacer element using a fusible mass and that is spaced from the outer electrode; and in which, when the fusible mass melts, the contact element is pressed against the outer electrode by the spring clip. The trigger mechanism has the advantage that it reacts very quickly and thereby reduces the formation of sparks and the fire hazard as well.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A surge arrestor, comprising: 
       a middle electrode;  
       at least one outer electrode;  
       an electrically conductive spring clip that is secured to the middle electrode and exerts a spring power on the at least one outer electrode,  
       an electrical component part that is non-conductive at a trigger voltage of the surge arrestor, configured to generate heat given a flow of current, the electrical component part being arranged between the spring clip and the at least one outer electrode,  
       a spacer element to which the spring clip is secured with a fusible mass, the spring clip being spaced away from the outer electrode, the spacer element having a tapering at a section lying between the outer electrode and the spring clip, the elements being so arranged that when the fusible mass becomes molten, the spring clip is pressed against the at least one outer electrode.  
     
     
       2. The surge arrestor according to  claim 1 , in which the spring clip comprises a hole, the spacer element being attached to the spring clip inside the hole. 
     
     
       3. The surge arrestor according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
       an enlarged free space between the spacer element and the spring clip provided by the tapering upon release of the spring clip.  
     
     
       4. The surge arrestor according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrical component part is arranged between the at least one outer electrode and the spacer element. 
     
     
       5. The surge arrestor according to  claim 1 , wherein the fusible mass is made of solder. 
     
     
       6. The surge arrestor according to  claim 1 , further comprising a shrink hose that covers an outside surface of the electrical component part. 
     
     
       7. A surge arrestor according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one outer electrode comprises a ring at its edge that is composed of an iron-nickel alloy. 
     
     
       8. The surge arrestor according to  claim 1 , wherein the spring clip is composed of a spring steel. 
     
     
       9. The surge arrestor according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrical component part is a varistor or a semiconductor component. 
     
     
       10. The surge arrestor according to  claim 1 , wherein the spring clip comprises an inwardly bent section at its end.